Local TNF mediates free cholesterol–dependent podocyte injury

Some patients with diabetes develop diabetic kidney disease (DKD), which can progress to a loss of renal function. High levels of TNF are predictive of disease and organ damage; however, it is not clear how elevated TNF promotes injury. In this episode, Alessia Fornoni reveals that TNF promotes free cholesterol–dependent podocyte apoptosis via an NFATc1/ ABCA1-dependent mechanism. The results of this study indicate that agents targeting cholesterol efflux should be further explored for treating proteinuric kidney diseases.